Archive for November, 2010

People don’t give their Orlando health insurance too much thought when filing for divorce. However, arrangements will need to be made to continue coverage.

“When people get married, they usually figure they’re going to be together for a long time to come. Unfortunately, these days, the divorce rates are quite high. One casualty of the divorce that people don’t tend to think about is their Orlando health insurance,” said Evan Tunis of Florida Health Care Insurance, Delray Beach, Florida.

Whether a person is covered by their spouse’s insurance policy through their job or the insurance was bought from a private company, the spouses need to make some kind of arrangements about continued health insurance coverage. “If you’re wondering what you can do in a situation like this, I have a few tips that might come in handy. One of those tips is to join COBRA, but, only if you have a pre-existing condition. This federal law lets employees keep their health insurance coverage under an employer’s plan just so long as they keep paying the premium,” Tunis said.

Of interest is also the fact that the law allows spouses and other family members to keep getting coverage for up to three years after a divorce. “Yes, the premiums for COBRA are pricey, but if you are stuck, you at least have the option open until you can find Orlando health insurance through other means. This is really useful for those with pre-existing conditions; people who may have problems getting insurance from someone else,” Tunis said.

“Another thing to try is buying your own health insurance,” Tunis said. “Ask your employer if you can get on your company health plan, if they happen to have one. Don’t be too surprised to find out they may have a specific enrollment period to add new members. No company plan? Then you may need to opt for an individual Orlando health insurance policy, which is quite a liberating move when you’re involved in a divorce situation.”

When all else fails, there is the option of requesting a spouse keep the other member on their insurance policy. In other words, it would be mandated through the provisions of the divorce. This is a wise move if there are kids involved. In the alternative, a sum of money can be requested to help pay for insurance.

“For example, if you buy individual health insurance, you could ask that your spouse pay half. Make sure you have a good divorce lawyer in situations like this,” Tunis said.

Health care reform is touted as being a good thing. However, the industry is offering products that are not beneficial to consumers.

Many think health care reform will mean a healthier nation with more people getting access to health insurance. While that may be true to a certain extent, in reality, the insurance industry is beginning to see some unusual and not so beneficial products hit the marketplace; products that essentially mean those who buy them are buying something that is as good as having no Tampa health insurance. If you want to have your health care costs covered, in whole or in part, you need a traditional health insurance plan; it’s just that simple.

While it makes sense to save money by opting to buy a limited benefit plan or a discount medical plan, are you really saving any money in the long run? Chances are you are not saving money and may in fact be spending more money than you thought. Yes, even more money that it would cost you to get a proper Tampa health insurance plan.

The major problem is that today, many people shop for health coverage based solely on price. This is a major mistake, as more often than not, what you get is not what you thought you were getting, and you will not be covered for your expenses. In fact, you will be paying for your care with a medical discount plan – all of your care. Try figuring the expenses out for that over the period of a year and you’ll quickly find out you’d be paying more than you would pay for proper health insurance – the kind that pays your medical claims for you.

Which makes more sense economically? The answer is health insurance that actually pays out money on your behalf for your medical expenses. Joining a medical discount plan only gets you discounts on medical services and supplies. It does not pay out any money to you for a claim.

Think twice before you buy health insurance that is so cheap you are thrilled. It may end up that it isn’t health insurance and the costs are higher than what Tampa health insurance would be. In addition, you may also wind up with limited benefits; something that might backfire on you should you need coverage at some point in your life. Always be aware of what you are buying, your very health could depend on it.

Be aware that medical discount plans are not health insurance. They do not do the same thing as Jacksonville health insurance either.

You’ve likely seen the ads on TV or even in print, touting the cost cutting convenience of medical discount plans. Please note before you read further, medical discount plans ARE NOT HEALTH INSURANCE. Furthermore, most hospitals and doctors do not have to honor medical discount plans and in many cases, they won’t.

The claims sure sound good by teasing people with one liners like: discounts of up to 60 percent, no deductible or co-pays and pre-existing conditions are no problem. Who wouldn’t want to save money on their health care costs these days? Look before you leap and find out exactly what it is you are buying before you buy it. If you don’t take that extra precautionary step, you might get an unexpected surprise later.

Medical discount programs come in many forms, ranging from a medical discount plan to a discount program or even a card. Financially, they’re attractive, there’s no getting around that. And, yes, medical discount plans may be of use to some consumers, but – and this is a huge but – they are not the same thing as health insurance. They do not pay any of your health care costs. Instead, you pay a fee for a list of health care service providers, etc. who are willing to give you a discount because you’re in a plan. In other words, you have no health care coverage – period.

Also, be very aware that some of the medical discount plans boast they provide huge discounts from hundreds of providers offering a wide variety of services. Quite often, there is no substance to these claims and you are paying a lot for virtually nothing. This isn’t to say that if you want other health care options that you shouldn’t check out medical discount plans. They may be what you want; but be cautious.

If you aren’t sure about the plans, call the state insurance commissioner and find out if they’re registered to sell health insurance in your state. If they aren’t, find someone else that sells Jacksonville health insurance and not a medical discount plan. In other words, if you want the insurance company to pay your medical bills (or portions thereof), you want a health insurance plan and NOT a discount plan.

If you don’t know which is which and can’t tell the difference between health insurance and a medical discount plan, call a licensed local Jacksonville health insurance agent/broker. They have all the information you need and can explain the differences. Their advice is free and it’s often advice that will save you money and get you a good deal on health insurance, NOT a medical discount plan.

“There’s really no need to be confused when it comes to deciding what type of Tampa health insurance would work for you or your family. I’m a phone call away and know the market intimately. All we need to do is talk about your life situation and what you need to be covered. I take it from there and find what works for you and for your budget,” said Evan Tunis of Florida Health Care Insurance, Delray Beach, Florida.

If people initiate their own search for health insurance, one of the first things they need to do is try and figure out what they absolutely need, and then factor in things that would be nice to have if their budget can handle it. The search starts from this point. While there are a great number of options on the market, with time and patience, anyone can find what they need. Mostly.

“I say mostly because many of the subtler things that people need to know about a health insurance policy are not always online. There just isn’t the room to do that. So typically, the preferred rates are up online, because they’re lower. If Joe American wants that rate, then they need to be in tip top shape. Generally speaking, most people have a pre-existing condition and that will change their quote. This is why you need to call an agent and ask questions,” Tunis said.

Asking questions is the right way to get to the bottom of all the different policies to choose from for Miami health insurance. For example, if a person is taking medication for acid reflux or to keep the blood from coagulating too quickly, some insurance companies may decline to insure him or her, and others may issue a rider. Knowing what medications a person is taking is part of the whole decision making process when it comes to finding a suitable health insurance policy.

“If you’re stuck and don’t know for sure what would work for you, then call me. I am available to answer your questions and can definitely help you when you’re looking for a Tampa health insurance policy,” Tunis said.